In Sudan's capital, Khartoum, soldiers gathered at the presidential palace on Sunday, preparing to continue their mission to eliminate remaining resistance from paramilitary forces. This follows the military's capture of the palace on Friday, during intense fighting that resulted in hundreds of deaths and significant territorial gains for the military.
By Sunday, the military had also taken control of key locations, including the Central Bank and the headquarters of the national intelligence service, marking a significant shift in the ongoing civil war that has ravaged the nation for two years.
Journalists from a Western outlet were among the first to visit the palace since the conflict began in April 2023, witnessing the extensive damage inflicted on the city. The military's recent successes have raised concerns about the war's continuation, with no immediate resolution in sight.
As soldiers prepared for further action, they expressed determination to reclaim the country from what they referred to as "mercenaries," alluding to the Rapid Support Forces (R.S.F.), a paramilitary group that has become a rival to the military.
The destruction across Khartoum was evident, with significant damage to infrastructure, including government buildings and educational institutions. The presidential palace, once a symbol of power, is now severely damaged, reflecting the war's toll on the nation.
The conflict, initially sparked by a power struggle between rival generals, has escalated into a nationwide crisis, displacing millions and leading to widespread famine. Foreign powers, including the United Arab Emirates and Russia, have been implicated in supplying arms to the warring factions, raising fears of a broader regional conflict.
Despite previous attempts at peace negotiations, efforts have stalled, with military leaders expressing a preference for continued fighting. In the wake of the military's advances, concerns have been raised regarding potential reprisals against civilians accused of supporting the R.S.F.
The focus of the conflict may soon shift to the western region of Darfur, where the R.S.F. continues to exert control and has recently intensified its siege on the city of El Fasher. The ongoing violence and humanitarian crises indicate that the resolution of this conflict remains uncertain.